Whorled Pennywort (Hydrocotyle verticillata)

Whorled Pennywort

Hydrocotyle verticillata

Its whorled leaves spin like tiny green umbrellas over water or damp soil. Aquatic or semi-aquatic perennial herb; common name: whorled marsh pennywort.

Partial sun
7/week
Beginner
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Plant Needs

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Sunlight Bright indirect light; tolerates partial shade; avoid intense direct sun that scorches delicate leaves
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Watering Keep submerged in shallow water or soil constantly damp; avoid drying out completely
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Temperature Thrives in warm temperate to tropical temperatures; protect from frost damage below 10°C
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Characteristics

  • Leaf: Circular, bright green leaves arranged in whorls of 6–12 around stems
  • Stem: Slender, creeping or floating stems that root at nodes
  • Flower: Tiny, white or pale pink umbel flowers on short stalks
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Care Guide

Watering

Keep submerged or soil consistently damp; top up water levels as needed to maintain depth

Fertilization

Diluted liquid feed every 2 weeks. Use low-dose, aquatic-safe fertilizer to avoid algae blooms in submerged setups

Freshwater aquarium water change:Use water from weekly freshwater aquarium changes directly for submerged plants; no dilution required to avoid nutrient burn
Pruning
  • Trim overgrown trailing stems to maintain a compact, tidy habit
  • Remove yellowing or decaying leaves promptly to prevent water contamination
  • Thin dense clumps to improve light penetration and airflow for lower foliage
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Toxicity

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA: Non-toxic to cats

Humans: No known toxic effects on humans

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Garden Uses & Culture

Culture: N/A

Usage: Ornamental aquatic plant for ponds and indoor water gardens; suitable for submerged aquascapes